In a landmark regional gathering, governors from Southern Nigeria and traditional rulers from the South-West, South-East, and South-South zones met in Iperu-Remo on Wednesday to review the nation’s deteriorating security landscape and adopt a unified response to emerging threats.
The meeting — a joint session of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) — produced far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening grassroots intelligence, improving inter-state security cooperation, and reinforcing support for federal security efforts.
The Forum opened with condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the deaths of military personnel in Borno State and the recent mass abductions recorded in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger States. The leaders applauded the successful rescue operations, describing them as “reassuring” and reflective of renewed federal focus on national security.
They also commended the President for macroeconomic reforms that have contributed to foreign exchange stability, sustained declines in inflation, and softening food prices. The communiqué further highlighted major infrastructure developments — notably the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway — as evidence of the administration’s development momentum.
Security chiefs from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC briefed the Forum on persistent challenges including equipment shortages, manpower constraints, and intelligence gaps. In response, governors and traditional rulers adopted a multi-layered security strategy with the following core resolutions:
1. Establishment of Zonal Security Funds
Each geopolitical zone will create a dedicated security fund to support operations, logistics, and capacity development. Monthly zonal meetings of Security Advisers will be institutionalised.
2. Strengthening Intelligence and Communication Infrastructure
The Forum approved a shared intelligence-exchange system supported by digital communication tools and surveillance technologies. States will jointly invest in equipment enabling cross-border monitoring and rapid response.
3. Renewed Push for State Police
Reiterating their long-standing stance, Southern governors called state policing a “constitutional necessity,” insisting that decentralised policing is essential for combating highly localised security threats.
4. Unified Resident Identification Programme
Member states will partner with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to develop a harmonised resident identification system aimed at improving tracking and community security.
5. Support for Regional and Community Security Outfits
The Forum resolved to enhance hunter groups, neighbourhood watch structures, and other community-based surveillance units with improved equipment and logistics.
6. Regulation of Land Use and Mining Activities
States will work with traditional rulers to enforce proper land governance and curb illegal mining — an activity linked to environmental destruction and criminal financing.
7. Strengthening Traditional Institutions
Governors pledged new financial and operational support for traditional councils, recognising their role in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and local governance.
In a strong show of solidarity, the governors and traditional rulers passed a Vote of Confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing his commitment to national stability and reform. They reaffirmed the principle laid out in the 2021 Asaba Accord, which advocated for a president of Southern extraction.
Both bodies condemned attempts to sow discord within the region through misinformation. They stressed that Southern Nigeria remains unified and committed to peace, inter-ethnic harmony, and collaborative engagement with the Federal Government.
The Forum concluded by pledging to “speak with one voice” and pursue collective interests in security, governance, and development. With the new resolutions, Southern leaders aim to reshape the region’s security architecture through coordination, technology, and deeper engagement with traditional institutions closest to the grassroots.o
